“How does the world’s premier air superiority combat aircraft wind up with only 142 combat-capable planes in its inventory? The F-22 Raptor, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, entered service in 2005 as the world’s first stealth aircraft with fifth-generation stealth technology, capable of outperforming and outmatching any competing aircraft in the skies.” Though it lacks any rival concerning specific mission tasks, it appears that the Raptor is struggling to be maintained and developed within a boutique force due to Chinese advancements centered around Chengdu’s J-20 fleet and a slow-starting sixth-generation F-47 program. Various upgrade projects, changes in Raptor operation concepts, and strategies are being pursued to shape Raptor’s operation well into the 2040s. Below are compiled nine of the most interesting facts about the status, capabilities, and future of the F-22 fleet through the end of 2025.
1. Fleet Size & Combat Coded Strength
A total of 195 Raptors have been produced by Lockheed Martin, with 187 flying with the U.S. Air Force. A minimum of five have been lost due to crashes, with a possible total of 183 aircraft remaining. However, only 143 of these aircraft are combat-worthy Block 30/35 models, with the remainder being earlier models for training, which are the Block 20 aircraft. Taking into consideration down periods for maintenance, the Air Force might have fewer than 100 operational Raptors.
2. The Block 20 Controversy
The Block 20 Raptors are “non-combat training aircraft” and do not have the enhancements required to conduct combat missions. The USAF has twice been successful in passing efforts to retire this fleet because they are no longer needed, but Congress has twice overturned this decision. Some representatives within the USAF, including General Kenneth Wilsbach, feel they are useful for training exercises and may be needed for combat actions during a national emergency. Lockheed Martin has also expressed interest in enhancing this fleet but with an additional cost to Congress of over $3.3 billion for a15-year period.
3. Number of Chinese J-20 Fighters Built
“But Rapidly Growing Chengdu J-20 “Mighty Drag” also refers to the very rapid buildup of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s Chengdu J-20 “Mighty Drag” fleet, with over 300 aircraft already built, with several aircraft squadrons already networked with these fighters.”
4. Viability Upgrade Program
“The Air Force’s request in FY 2026 will include $90.34 million in funding to support these new ‘viability upgrades’ of IRDS, stealth, radar, and EW. IRDS will replace older missile launch detectors with more modern sensors that will detect threats at much larger ranges, to complement the IRST pods being purchased to provide this capability.”
5. Stealthy Range-Extending Drop Tanks
For the F-22s with range constraints in the Pacific theater, there would be tanks and py-lons that provide supersonically transportable, low drag designs, which help provide range extension without undermining lethal effectiveness, an important adaptation with regard to Chinese threats posed to U.S. aerial refueling operations.
6. Sensor and Software Enhancements
Upgrade 3.2B brought increased resolution mapping for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), threat location for geolocation, electronic attack feature, andAIM-120D and AIM-9X functionality. Throughthe Open Mission Systems architecture, new-capability ‘cuts’ can be achieved in a shorter time frame through agile software deliveries as part of the Raptor Agile Capability Release initiative, completed at a rate of once each 12–18 months.
7. Collaborative Combat Aircraft Integration
This would enable all 142 combat-capable Raptor aircraft to control the “loyal wingman” drones through the Inter-Flight Data Link for a estimated price tag of $86,218 per aircraft. This would enable the F-22s to command swarms of drones and expand the range of sensing and striking options in the hostile environment.
8. The F-47 Sixth-Generation Fighter Timeline
The F-47, built by Boeing, is expected to take to the skies for the first time in 2028 under the Next Generation Air Dominance program, hoping to procure “185+”. Designed to replace the Raptor, with delays and an uncertain scale of production, the F-22 has also seen service into the 2040s because it is set to continue on as America’s primary air dominator.
9. Maintenance and Mission Capable Rates
In 2024, the F-22 MC rate dropped to 40% because of the rate at which it requires maintenance and the scarcity of its components. The F-22 is being sustained/updated through initiatives such as RAMP, with the goal of developing its electrical infrastructure, low observability materials, and structural properties. The boutique aspect of the F-22 airforce is the only area that poses challenges for its readiness.
The F-22 “Raptor is a capable and small force, spanning the F-22 and F-47 eras, designed to oppose credible threats. Its production ended long ago, meaning any available airframe is vital. Update programs for the F-22 will become critical for it to stay “at the cutting edge of air power,” regardless of whether it is updated to the Block 20 version or the Air Force sticks with the Block 30/35s.
